Independent Contractor Status Frequently Asked Questions

Employers have a significant degree of control over their employees, and are able to direct when, how, and where employees accomplish their tasks and responsibilities. Employers also often provide the necessary “tools of the trade” to their employees. In contrast, an independent contractor generally can determine when, how and where to perform their work, and is responsible for any necessary tools or equipment necessary to provide the services.  

For legal purposes, the key distinction between an employee and an independent contractor is often determined by the amount of control a business exerts over the worker. The more control a business exerts over the worker, the greater the likelihood the worker will be deemed an employee.

No. Brokers can classify their real estate salespeople as either employees or as independent contractors.

Worker classification laws at the federal and state levels as well as state real estate license laws will apply to a brokerage’s classification of its salespeople. At the federal level, the Internal Revenue Service has carved out a special statutory non-employee status for real estate professionals, qualifying them as independent contractors when all of the following requirements are met:

1. The individual must be a licensed real estate professional;
2. Substantially all of their payments must be directly related to sales or other output, rather than the number of hours worked; and
3. Their services must be performed under a written contract providing that they will not be treated as employees for federal tax purposes.

State statutes for worker classification and real estate licenses vary in regards to determining proper classification of real estate licensees. Some states explicitly recognize real estate licensees as independent contractors when certain conditions are met, and other states are silent as to real estate licensees so the courts must apply the applicable test for determining proper classification. This is why it is vital for real estate professionals to know the laws that pertain to worker classification in their states.

Having an independent contractor agreement is a very important element of establishing an independent contractor relationship with a real estate salesperson, but the existence of an agreement is not enough to avoid misclassification. Courts and regulatory agencies will look to the reality of the relationship, how the parties interacted, and how much control a broker exerts over the real estate salesperson in order to determine the true nature of the relationship between the parties.

Under many state, and federal, laws, making certain acts "mandatory" may be considered an indication of employer-like control over the worker. One of the hallmarks of an independent contractor relationship is that the independent contractor has the ability to direct and control where, when and how they perform their work.

In order to establish an independent contractor relationship, the following is a list of the types of activities that should be avoided:

• Requiring the worker perform the services during set work hours.
• Requiring the worker perform the services at a specific location.
• Making attendance at staff meetings mandatory.
• Providing training to the worker.
• Supplying tools and materials to the worker.

No. In fact, according to real estate licensing laws brokers must maintain a certain amount of supervision over their salespeople. Brokers must therefore make sure that they are balancing their state real estate license laws’ supervision requirements with the applicable requirements in state and federal worker classification laws.

No, if the independent contractor meets the three elements of the IRS’s carve out. The IRS recognizes the unique nature of the real estate industry and created a statutory non-employee status for real estate professionals, provided three elements are met: 1) the individual is a licensed real estate professional; 2) substantially all of their payments be directly related to sales or other output, rather than number of hours worked; and 3) their services are performed under a written contract providing that they will not be treated as employees for federal tax purposes. If these three elements are met, no federal income taxes need to be withheld from the real estate professional's earnings.

No, qualifying as a statutory independent contractor under IRS rules applies only to federal income taxes. The question of whether state income taxes must be withheld from a real estate professional's earnings is a question of state law. Brokers should check the applicable state law where they operate.

The provision of employee-type benefits, such as health insurance, vacation pay and 401k participation, can be factors pointing to an employer-employee relationship, rather than that of an independent contractor. The provision of these types of benefits may compromise the argument that the relationship with the worker is that of an independent contractor.

Improper classification of workers can cause businesses a number of tax and other legal problems. At the federal level, the IRS may levy unpaid payroll taxes against a business it believes is misclassifying its workers, as well as interest and other penalties. In addition, the United States Department of Labor, the National Labor Relations Board, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Agency have an interest in a business’s classification of its workers, and may pursue penalties and legal action against businesses believed to be engaging in worker misclassification.

At the state level, businesses may face fines and penalties for violations of state workers’ compensation laws, tax laws, and state unemployment compensation laws. Improper classification can also expose businesses to private causes of action and costly litigation.

A broker may require salespeople to be members of the REALTORS® association, as it indicates to the broker the sales agents’ commitment to the real estate profession and to high ethical standards of practice. REALTOR® membership is a criterion that a broker may voluntarily choose to require of independent contractors. The payment of any dues to belong to the REALTOR® association is simply a cost of obtaining the “credentials” necessary to become associated with a broker who deems this criterion important.

A number of resources on this topic are available on www.nar.realtor’s Independent Contractor Status page: 

“Ten Ways to Successfully Manage Your Independent Contractor Relationships”
Key Provisions for Independent Contractor Agreements
Window to the Law: Worker Classification Update

Outside resources include:

The IRS website’s guide to worker classification
Your state’s Department of Labor website
Your state’s real estate licensing authority’s website.